Rise of right wing politics in EU elections

One of the most alarming elements of the recently held elections to the European parliament is the rise of right wing parties across Europe.

In the UK, the British National Party BNP, a far right whites-only party that has so far been a fringe group, has won its first seats in these EU elections. 

BNP's top agenda is to stop immigration. If possible reverse it and send immigrants back home. Their campaign slogan has been British jobs for British workers. 

While most mainstream parties have condemned the party as racist, its success will have dangerous repercussions for immigrants.

A combative Nick Griffin, the leader of BNP is high on the success of their performance in European parliament. They have won two seats there for the first time but have never won a seat in British parliament.

Barely had they started speaking outside parliament, when they were attacked with eggs and chased by a group calling itself anti-fascist forcing them to abandon the press conference.

The BNP has been anti-Jew, anti-black, anti-Muslim and most recently they have campaigned on an anti immigrant plank.

But, will demonstrations like these be enough to stop the rise of right wing anti immigration parties like the BNP? What's made their winning their first seats in EU elections even more alarming is that they have won from areas traditionally considered Labour strongholds.
 
Some see votes for BNP a direct result of the collapse of the ruling Labour party that's been seen as inept at handling recession and unemployment.

"You cant blame Labour for their win but yes many vote BNP as a protest vote against mainstream parties," said Geraldine Smith, Labour MP.

"Its a dreadful moment embarrassing moment in British politics. People would never vote BNP to a serious assembly like this one, that is the hope but today that hope has been tested," said Gary Ginbbons, Political Editor, Channel 4 news.

Most mainstream parties are against the BNP's divisive agenda but with general elections not too far away, even their policies may well be influenced by the anti-immigrant sentiment that seems to be on the rise.